1 Introduction

According to Wikipedia, “3D modeling is the process of developing a mathematical, wireframe representation of any three-dimensional object, called a "3D model", via specialized software. Models may be created automatically or manually; the manual modeling process of preparing geometric data for 3D computer graphics is similar to plastic arts such as sculpting. 3D models may be created using multiple approaches: use of NURBS curves to generate accurate and smooth surface patches, polygonal mesh modeling (manipulation of faceted geometry), or polygonal mesh subdivision (advanced tessellation of polygons, resulting in smooth surfaces similar to NURBS models). A 3D model can be displayed as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering, used in a computer simulation of physical phenomena, or animated directly for other purposes. The model can also be physically created using 3D Printing devices. The model can also be physically created using 3D Printing devices [like the RapMan]” (retrieved 14:57, 6 March 2010 (UTC))

This page primarily includes software links. A later version may include some 3D modeling principles.

2 Wireframes and polygone meshes

The structure (and not the skin!) of a computer 3d model is usually represented as a so-called wire-frame model. “A wire frame model is a visual presentation of a three dimensional or physical object used in 3D computer graphics. It is created by specifying each edge of the physical object where two mathematically continuous smooth surfaces meet, or by connecting an object's constituent vertices using straight lines or curves. The object is projected onto the computer screen by drawing lines at the location of each edge.” (Wikipedia, retrieved 6 March 2010).

“A vertex (plural vertices) in computer graphics is a data structure that describes a point in 2D or 3D space. Display objects are composed of arrays of flat surfaces (typically triangles) and vertices define the location and other attributes of the corners of the surfaces.” (Wikipedia, retrieved 6 March 2010).

“A polygon mesh or unstructured grid is a collection of vertices, edges and faces that defines the shape of a polyhedral object in 3D computer graphics and solid modeling. The faces usually consist of triangles, quadrilaterals or other simple convex polygons, since this simplifies rendering, but may also be composed of more general concave polygons, or polygons with holes.” (Wikipedia, retrieved 14:57, 6 March 2010 (UTC))

Easy Toy Quote: “is a 3D modeling software. It uses a sketch-based modeling method and a 3D painting method. The user interface is very friendly and operations are very simple”

Exports: .obj

60 $USD, demo version available

Caligari TrueSpace. Free (used to be commercial). A world builder, not really a modeler. Can be used to create proprietary multi-user worlds (free small group server is available). Exports to several formats (e.g. Collada, but not X3D). The product is dead (bought up by MS), but the web site isalive.

4.6 Mesh manipulation

MeshMixer The goal of meshmixer is to make it dead easy to compose new 3D models from existing meshes. Comment: easy to use with provided meshes, but your own are hard to build - Daniel K. Schneider 11:43, 6 March 2010 (UTC)

MeshLab is an the open source, portable, and extensible system for the processing and editing of unstructured 3D triangular meshes. Can import/export STL (for 3D printers like the RapMan))

Netfabb“is a software tailored for additive fabrication, rapid prototyping and 3D printing. It includes the ability of viewing, editing, repairing and analyzing stl-files or slice-based files in various formats.” Base version is free.

Meshmixer. A free tool from Autodesk for meshmixing, sculpting and support generation.

Sculpt+. This part of the Autodesk "123" series. As of 2014, available for Apple and Android tablets. For work on PCs, see Meshmixer above.

4.8 Special purpose

Sweet Home 3D is a Java-based, interior design Java application for quickly choosing and placing furniture on a house 2D plan drawn by the end-user, with a 3D preview. See the homepage for more information. (working, free as of 11/2010)

Makehuman free software for the modelling of 3-Dimensional humanoid characters.

Mineways, (quote) lets you export your Minecraft creations into files you can use for making images, movies, or 3D prints. It is a free, open-source program for exporting your Minecraft models for 3D printing on your own printer or through a service such as Shapeways or Sculpteo, viewing on the web through Sketchfab, and rendering with Blender, 3DS MAX, Maya, Cinema 4D, or other rendering system.